Ghalib could have found himself in a sticky spot in Kranji's main race on Feb 17, but sheer class saw the odds-on favourite safely home.
Barrier No. 1 can be a doubleedged sword in a speed dash like the $100,000 Kranji Stakes A race (1,100m).
But the shortest way home turned out to be a boon for the $7 hot shot.
While his barrier manners were a query, Ghalib never turned a hair both before and after loading - and more crucially, upon dispatch.
Out in a flash, he soon had company, though - Tim Fitzsimmons' two noted on-pacers, Lucky Jinsha (Zyrul Nor Azman) in front and Illustrious (Jerlyn Seow) on his side, keeping him under lock and key.
Left with not much wiggle room, he might have walked straight into their trap. It did not help matters he was also reefing and tearing.
But, luckily, Manoel Nunes knew not just his horse back to front, but also one of his two "bodyguards".
The Brazilian five-time Singapore champion jockey has partnered Ghalib to all his previous four wins, as well as Lucky Jinsha to half of his eight wins.
That "inside" knowledge proved to be key in Nunes' ice-cold handling, and ultimately, towards a fifth win on the I Am Invincible four-year-old.
This story is from the February 18, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 18, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Football died' when Klopp joined Red Bull
BERLIN - Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer has sparked strong reactions from many German fans.
ALCARAZ IN 'CRAZY' LOSS TO MACHAC
Spaniard can’t believe opponent’s level after defeat scuppers rematch with Italian Sinner
New arrivals at FIA after high-profile departures
LONDON Formula One's governing body announced two senior appointments after headline departures triggered talk of an exodus from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) led by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
OLYMPIC RINGS OF FIRE OVER EIFFEL TOWER
French minister plans to wrest control of landmark from Paris mayor amid logo row
EVEREST CLIMBS TO GROUP 1 HEIGHTS
World’s richest sprint race gains recognition at its eighth running, as well as All-Star Mile
Heat stress Different work conditions require flexible guidelines on workers' attire
We thank Mr Rahul Gupta for his suggestions (Study standard heat-friendly work clothes for outdoor workers, Oct 8).
Airbus deliveries drop as suppliers struggle
PARIS Airbus deliveries fell 9 per cent in September to 50 jets compared with the same month in 2023, the European planemaker said on Oct 9, rekindling a debate over the strength of its industrial goals as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand.
Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025
By 2025, all 93 People's Action Party (PAP) branches will have mental health ambassadors to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents' mental health concerns.
Zelensky says there is 'real chance' to end war in 2025
He did not reveal how this could happen but is counting on support from key allies
Prabowo defends plan to expand government with ‘fat' Cabinet
JAKARTA Indonesia's Presidentelect Prabowo Subianto has defended his plan to expand government agencies, saying it is needed for a strong administration even if critics call it a \"fat\" Cabinet that will bloat the bureaucracy.
